IBM Food Trust: trust and transparency in our food

Bringing new clarity to food supply complexity

Food’s journey from farm to table involves numerous transactions between different people and companies. What if we could simplify this process, enabling transactions to be shared securely and efficiently among every actor in the supply chain?

IBM Food Trust™ uses blockchain technology to create unprecedented visibility and accountability in the food supply chain. It is the only network of its kind, connecting growers, processors, distributors, and retailers through a permissioned, permanent and shared record of food system data. Together, we are improving food for all.

Data entry and access

Securely upload, manage and access your transactional data to help create a better food supply chain. This module is included with Trace and Certifications modules.

Virtually-Guided Onboarding

Engage with IBM Food Trust experts to receive hands-on virtual onboarding. You'll learn how to add your products, facilities and process maps to help you get started. Service must be purchased separately.

FAQ

Why blockchain?

Blockchain can help reach business goals around traceability, compliance, freshness and more by enabling a holistic ecosystem. A blockchain solution is not just about technology, it's about solving business problems that have been insolvable before due to the inability of the ecosystem to share information in a transparent, immutable and trusted manner. Unlike other systems of record, blockchain technology provides a trusted record of data.

What is blockchain?

Blockchain provides the foundation for a new generation of transactions that establishes trust and transparency, while streamlining business processes.

Some blockchain networks, such as Bitcoin, are open to all and anonymous. Anyone can join and see any transaction that happens on those networks. These networks typically require resource-intensive computations to help prevent fraudulent transactions.

IBM Food Trust's blockchain solution, on the other hand, is permissioned so invited members know exactly with whom they are transacting, similar to what happens between business partners today. Participants also determine what data is seen by whom, thereby providing information on a need-to-know basis. Smart contracts also run on our blockchain, allowing business logic to help solve disputes, automatically execute contracts, and build trust.

What is IBM Food Trust?

IBM Food Trust™, built on blockchain, benefits all network participants with a safer, smarter, and more sustainable food ecosystem. The digitization of transactions and data provides a more efficient way of working across the supply chain, including growers, processors, shippers, retailers, regulators, and consumers.

The solution provides authorized users with immediate access to actionable food supply chain data, from farm to store and ultimately the consumer. The complete history and current location of any individual food item, as well as accompanying information such as certifications, test data and temperature data, are readily available in seconds once uploaded onto the blockchain.

The software-as-a-service (SaaS) solution is working to ensure that trust enables, rather than hinders, the expanding food system. With capabilities for safer food, longer shelf lives, reduced waste, faster traceability, and better access to shared information, IBM Food Trust can empower you to meet the new standard for transparency and trust.

How does IBM Food Trust ensure that data entered by various parties can be usable in the solution?

IBM Food Trust has been built leveraging both business and technology standards. To ensure maximum value and access to all participants, our solution leverages standards already implemented across the food industry (i.e., GS1) and open-source technology such as Hyperledger Fabric. Interoperability on both business and technology levels enable IBM Food Trust participants to exchange information across the food ecosystem. We work with industry leaders (e.g., GFSI) to drive industry standards for sustainability, food safety, and quality assurance.

What data types are leveraged and what APIs are available for IBM Food Trust?

Who owns the data?

You upload, you own, you control.

Your data belongs to you. Data is owned by the registered company or organization that owns the data prior to it being uploaded to IBM Food Trust. Users can set permissions that govern what data can be seen and by whom – determined solely by the owner of the data. Data uploaded by a third party is owned by the original owner.

How do I invite others to join?

All food ecosystem participants can join IBM Food Trust, via tiered modules available to buy in IBM marketplace. You can connect to your partners and define what information is shared when you define your transactions. IBM Food Trust provides users and stakeholders with real-time, instant access to business-critical information from which everyone benefits.

What value are the participants seeing from the solution?

Clients are now able to trace from store back to the farm in 2.2 seconds, where data is available. Additional business value and savings depend on company size, brand values and number and category of products implemented. Estimate the potential value you may have from the solution implementation by using the IBM Food Trust Value Assessment Tool, which was built based on average savings that current participants are seeing.